Stop sign changes made, more being considered

Published 7:51 am, Tuesday, December 1, 2015

A new set of stop signs change traffic flow at the intersection of 13th and Kermit Streets.

A new set of stop signs change traffic flow at the intersection of 13th and Kermit Streets.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

Stop sign changes made, more being considered

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The City of Plainview public works staff opted to change the flow of traffic by switching a couple of stop signs at a well-traveled intersection in town, and more changes could be on the way for Plainview drivers.

On Tuesday, the street department swapped the stop signs located at 13th and Kermit streets. Drivers now will notice that vehicles heading north and south on Kermit will have the right-of-way, while motorists will now be required to stop on 13th Street.

This change was recommended by public works staff and the police department after Kermit Street was built and dedicated as a public roadway. Based on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), an intersection of a less important road crossing with a main road, where application of the normal right-of-way rule would not be expected to provide reasonable compliance with the law, may warrant a change.

With Kermit Street becoming the more through street, the city staff believes this change will allow for safer conditions and better traffic flow.

In addition to Kermit Street, city staff also has reviewed two other intersections. The first is at Seventh and Joliet streets near the new skate park. Due to increased pedestrian traffic in the area, staff will be installing signs to make this a four-way stop effective Dec. 15.

As some drivers may have seen, the signs at this location were installed ahead of schedule, and have since been removed.

"We apologize for the miscommunication regarding the installation and changes at these intersections," said Tim Crosswhite, Interim Public Works Director. "We typically try and let the public know about these changes well in advance so they can be prepared for the change in traffic flow."

The second intersection being reviewed is at 18th and Joliet streets. Due to the closure of the school in the area, it may no longer be necessary to have a four-way stop at this intersection.

A decision on whether or not to change this location will be made at a later date, with additional public notice to be sent out, if a change is to be made.

If you have any questions or comments regarding these changes or those being considered, please contact Tim Crosswhite, Interim Public Works Director, at tcrosswhite@plainviewtx.org or 806-296-1150.